I have been asked:
1) Mabait ba akong editor? (Am I kind as an editor?)
2) May mare-recommend ba ako na mabait na editor? (Can I recommend an editor who is kind?)
I have no idea what things authors consider that would make an editor mabait (kind). I think to some, it means the editor almost rewrites the work to beautify it, effectively relieving the author of revision labors. To others (or in this day and age, this would be most young writers), it means only some or hardly any comments or corrections are given, most preferably none at all which assures the author that his/her work is intact.
Intact regardless of quality.
Dear up and coming authors, an editor who does nothing to your manuscript does not care about you or your work. No, sirree. Because to be effective, an editor must be ruthless and unforgiving. To be of help, s/he has to be detached from your story (and you) so s/he can nitpick every grueling detail so that your manuscript does not end up with loopholes and issues that you missed and which s/he should have addressed.
Dear up and coming author, if you do not care for an editor, that means you care not for your manuscript although I have to hand it to you, you have more than enough care for your ego. Yes, you are being egotistical by wanting your manuscript to remain intact. Because that means you are shielding your work from scrutiny and therefore any issue, loophole or mistake will remain because you do not know they are there. Or you do not care that they are there.
I am an author before becoming an editor which is why I understand that our manuscripts are our babies. That is why we are protective of them. But we also do bring our babies to doctors, to pediatricians who diagnose and ensure the health of our children. If your child is found to be sick, wouldn’t you want meds prescribed for him/her? Vitamins? Therapy? Wouldn’t you want your child to get better?
Of course, you do. And you should.
An editor is to your manuscript as a pediatrician is to your child. We all want what is best for our baby/ies. No parent or doctor (a legit one, mind you, because there are unlicensed quacks around) would intentionally bring harm to your baby. Remember that. And while your editor can be your worst nightmare, s/he can also truly be your best friend.
Kylo Ren says
Great post. I’m wondering how much does an editor’s services cost here in the Philippines? I’m currently working on my debut novel, halfway done through my first draft, and I will be having it edited once I’m done cleaning it up.
Neferjetjet says
Thank you. 🙂
Editing costs depend on who you hire as editor. Some have special rates for indie publishers. Rates also depend on how extensive an edit you want done on your manuscript. If you want the whole caboodle – developmental, copy, line and proofreading – that’s going to cost a lot. 🙂
Kylo Ren says
Like how much is that “a lot”? Like, five digits?
Neferjetjet says
Five digits is possible for some, again depending on how extensive the need of the author is. Another factor to consider is the length of your manuscript. Some editors (myself included) compute rates based on number of words.
if you want, you can email me. My addy is on the profile of this blog. Better to talk about rates in private. 😉
Kylo Ren says
I’ll send you an email once I’m done with my furnished first draft. Thank you so much 🙂
Caryn says
Soooo happy I found you, Ate Gette! Mwahahaha! Seriously, thanks for all your help with my stories!
Neferjetjet says
Happy to have found you din! And thank you for taking time to beta my stuff. ? *huuuug*
Aki libo-on says
THEM: Mabait ka bang editor?
ME: Nope.
#NuffSaid ?
G. Gonzales says
Pak! Ganern. Hehehe!